Karwa Chauth is a one-day festival celebrated annually by married Hindu women in which they observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise and pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The festival falls on the fourth day of the dark fortnight in the Kartika month every year. The word Karva Chauth is made up of two words, ‘Karva,’ which means an earthen pot with a spout and ‘Chauth’ which means fourth. The earthen pot is of great significance as it is used by the women to offer water to the moon as part of the festival rituals. The festival is believed to have originated when women started praying for the safe return of their husbands who went to fight wars in far-off lands.

The festivities related to Karva Chauth start early in the morning where married women wake up before the sun rises and get ready. A night before Karva Chauth, the woman’s mother sends Bayaa which consists of clothes, coconut, sweets, fruits, and sindoor (vermillion) for her daughter and gifts for the mother-in-law. The daughter-in-law is then supposed to eat the Sargi (a meal consumed before sunrise on the day of Karva Chauth) given to her by her mother-in-law. The women then come together and sit circling the idol of Gaura Maa (Goddess Parvati) and the story of Karva Chauth is narrated by a wise elderly woman who also ensures the pooja is performed in the correct manner. The women then start to rotate the thalis around the circle. This is called thali batana. This ritual signifies the sharing of happiness and joy among the women.

Karwa Chauth is not only a religious festival but also an essential part of Indias cultural tapestry. While the essence of Karwa Chauth remains the same, modern women have adapted the tradition to suit their lifestyles. Some couples choose to fast together, symbolizing the mutual love and respect in their relationship. The festival is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in Northern and Western India.